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August 16.2025
2 Minutes Read

Tackling Job Deserts and Long-Term Sickness: A Call to Action for Britain's Workforce

Confident young woman in a black blazer posing, representing job deserts UK economic inactivity.

Understanding the Job Desert Crisis in the UK

In a compelling statement aimed at reshaping the employment landscape, UK Employment Minister Alison McGovern has highlighted the pressing challenges of 'job deserts' and long-term sickness impacting the nation's workforce. With approximately 21% of the working-age population classified as economically inactive, McGovern warns that pockets of despair not only affect those individuals but also hinder the economic vitality of entire communities.

The Stark Realities of Employment Inequity

Statistics paint a bleak picture: some regions, such as parts of Stockton-on-Tees, display inactivity rates as high as 67%. Meanwhile, areas like Knowsley in Merseyside are grappling with long-term illnesses driving up the number of residents unable to work. The Office for National Statistics has pointed to a significant rise in sickness absence post-pandemic, with many unable to return to the workforce. This situation evokes concern for the future of local economies, which depend on an active and healthy workforce.

Government Initiatives for Hope and Repair

In response, the UK Government is pivoting towards employment recovery by encouraging business to utilize Jobcentre Plus services for recruitment. With only 9% of UK businesses currently engaging job centres, Minister McGovern has announced an initiative to reach over 8,000 employers, underscoring the need for partnerships in hiring.

Partnerships Offer Pathways to Employment

A notable example of this initiative in action is fast-food chain KFC, which is providing paid work experience aimed at helping young people transition into permanent roles. Shaffra Gray-Read has emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for youth who find themselves 'locked out' of the job market.

Taking Decisive Action for a Prosperous Future

The road to recovery from job deserts will require concerted efforts from both government and private sectors. As we engage these pressing issues, it’s crucial for financial institutions to step up and support workforce revitalization through innovative funding and resources that empower regions suffering from job inactivity. Investing in our workforce today means building a more resilient economy for tomorrow.

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